The best camping near McConnell State Recreation Area

Discover the most magical spots to pitch your tent or park your rig on your next McConnell State Recreation Area adventure.

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On the banks of Merced River lies an oasis for fishing and beating the heat.

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Stay at a public campground in McConnell State Recreation Area

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McConnell Campground

21 sites · RVs, Tents In McConnell State Recreation Area

Top-rated campgrounds near McConnell State Recreation Area

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Diamond Gulch

44 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents824 acres · Groveland, CA

CLOSE TO YOSEMITE! Explore the mines and hang out on our Groveland, California ranch! We are 35 minutes to the main gate of Yosemite National Park. A great place to stay just outside of the park. We have 824 acres on a beautiful cattle ranch with two small ponds. On our property, you'll find frogs, turtles, oak trees, pine trees and stunning views of Yosemite. We have several campsites to choose from including RV camping, tent camping, and a glamping tent. Pets are welcome. Campfires are permitted as long as there is no fire ban. Potable water and toilet are available onsite. There's a golf course less than a mile away. We are also very close to town. In just a few minutes, you can drive to our local grocery store and pizza parlour. We are a 10-minute drive to Pine Mountain Lake. Beautiful Pine Mountain Lake offers golfing, dining, horseback riding, water sports and an airport. When you come to the ranch it feels like you are hundreds of miles away from civilization, but still close to everything you need. It is incredibly peaceful! This is a great place for someone who wants to escape city life and enjoy the tranquillity of nature. Much of the ranch is open wilderness for you to explore, and it's not uncommon to see deer, frogs, turtles, quail, turkeys, or other countless species of birds. Diamond Gulch Camp is the perfect place to relax if you’re a photographer, artist, family or a group of friends looking for a place to camp near Yosemite. A small portion of the property was used as a gold mine years ago, and you may find remnants of old home sites if you go exploring. We're not far from Wards Ferry Road, Groveland, Lake Don Pedro and other interesting places.

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Cole Ranch

10 sites · RVs, Tents7 acres · Waterford, CA

"I firmly believe that Nature brings solace in all troubles." -Anne Frank- Serene, quiet acreage on the Tuolumne River, with views of the snow capped Sierra Nevadas on a clear day. Scores of wildlife sightings, including river otters, eagles, wild turkeys, beavers, and many more. Perfect for swimming, canoeing, kayaking, fishing, or just relaxing. Like to fish? Fishing at Cole Ranch is a Love/Hate thing. If you Love to Fish, you will Hate to leave. Gateway to Yosemite National Park, the Mother Lode region, hiking trails, and spelunking opportunities. All sites have access to our community outdoor kitchen, which has a refrigerator, coffee bar, sink, BBQ's, and stoves. Also available are our bathrooms, quite possibly the cleanest campground bathrooms in the 13 western states, which include flushable toilets, two sinks, and warm showers. Book your visit now. (Group bookings must be approved by host. Group bookings that have not been pre-approved may be cancelled.) *%*% Ever see a meteor shower? Cole Ranch is a perfect place to view one. The Perseid meteor shower is active mid-July through August, with the most active night being August 12. The moon will be 50% illuminated that night, and will set around midnight. With few lights around, there will be lots to see.*%*% (Cole Ranch is a working ranch, surrounded by walnut and almond orchards. Harvest for these orchards occur mid-August thru September, and can create dust and noise. Occasional noise from common ranching activities may be heard. Landscaping activities like mowing, watering, etc. generally occur Mondays-Wednesdays) Check back here periodically for advisories on river conditions. ###EXCITING NEWS### We are working hard to open at least THREE new campsites. These new sites will be more secluded and private than current sites, each with its own path to the river. Earliest these will be open is Mid-September. Contact Barry, coleranch23@icloud.com, for more information. NEW ADDITION We have added two picnic tables with benches to our inventory. These tables are available like our other equipment, First come First served. All we ask is you return any of or stuff to its place after use. **ADVISORY** 6/20/24 River is currently running at normal levels. 4/18/24 River is currently running about 3' above normal. Except for Fisherman's Hideout, all sites remain open. Fisherman's Hideout is currently under water, but should be open some time in May. Fishing is great right now, but water activities will be limited. Will update as changes occur.

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Joyful Heart

1 site · Lodging10 acres · Jamestown, CA

When we moved to the Sierra Foothills, we found this cozy, little spot on the property and we set up a campsite for friends and family. People loved the space so much that we decided to build this cozy cabin and host other guests as well... The hot tub can be filled with fresh water and be heated by wood and/or be filled using the on demand hot water heater. The private outdoor shower is in a beautiful garden setting.

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Nolla A-Frames Near Yosemite

5 sites · Lodging45 acres · Colfax Springs, CA

Welcome to our A-Frame Nolla Cabins at the doorstep to Yosemite! Our property is conveniently located off Highway 120 and 15 minutes outside of the entrance to Yosemite National Park. While amenities such as the town of Groveland, restaurants, and gas stations are nearby (15 minutes away), you will truly feel like you are off the beaten path at this campsite. Featuring our A-Frame cabins in partnership with Nolla from Finland, sleep on a comfy mattress on a bed looking out through a floor-to-ceiling window where you may see deer grazing nearby, cedar and pine trees, and big sky with stars at night. Each cabin has a picnic table outside, a Yeti cooler of water, as well as clean composting toilets. The cabin has a solar battery, enough to charge your devices and plug in a fan or light. Hot showers are available across the road at our sister property! Please be sure to check the Yosemite website for details on Park Reservations ahead of time if you plan to go Yosemite!

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Wondernut Farm

4 sites · Lodging37 acres · Big Oak Flat, CA

Wondernut Farm is an upstart, entirely off grid, working farm-stead being built from the ground up. We breed milking goats and sheep, heritage pigs, and are in the process of converting to a grade A dairy and creamery! We use organic practices, management intensive rotational grazing, and dryland pasture management. We sell our animals locally so that others can have their own milking and meat animals. Our 110 year old hay barn and the roof of the former lumber mill were all we had to work with in getting off the ground. Being first and foremost a functional farm, we can't help but offer a somewhat warts-and-all look into everything it takes to be working to our goals. Our hearts are, and always will be, educational and local community focused, and we work closely with farmers and friends alike in better understanding our innovative animal husbandry, power, pasture and water systems. Whenever we have time, we'll afford the same time and opportunities to interested hip-campers. Our location is stunning and historic, and the beauty of the wild, natural landscape is powerful, yet offers easy access to both Yosemite Valley and the San Francisco Bay area. The area features excellent road and mountain biking in the immediate vicinity, vast access to hiking and backpacking trails, a huge variety of rock climbing in the area, the best whitewater rafting in California on the Tuolumne River, with some tasty places to eat or drink coffee in the nearby town of Groveland, just 10 minutes away. Accommodations at the farm are certainly rustic, and private but not secluded, with occasionally heavily project-exploded shared kitchen and living space, showers, and airy flush toilets. Do be advised that animals are pooping, hammers are hammering, sometimes we need to look into a health or animal injury related issue. Sometimes there is blood in an animal birth or slaughter, and our working guardian dogs have been known to be noisy some nights. Water and electricity are both very limited (though we reuse all our water), waste must be carefully sorted into a number of different categories, and there is always evidence of ump-teen projects unfolding at once. The most difficult condition during much of the summer are nuisance flies, which are always gone at night. We have almost no mosquitoes or ticks. Depending on the exact situation and time of year, guests may have the opportunities to snuggle with baby animals and run our herd to or from pasture, and maybe even get their hands dirty picking veggies in the garden.

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Gold Wall Ranch & Vineyard

7 sites · Lodging, Tents120 acres · Jamestown, CA

Our property is located above the famous 'Gold Wall' rock climbing area, overlooking Lake Melones. Enjoy the great 360* views of the Sierras and foothills from this 120 acre ranch property. We own a small wine vineyard that offers glamping at its finest. The perfect place to spend one or two nights before your big trip to Yosemite National Park. Our property is NOT recommended for children under 12 yrs old, as we have dangerous cliffs that are straight drop offs. Choose to stay in 1 of our 4 cabins or just pitch a tent and camp under the stars {2 sites available}. The ranch offers fresh Mountain drinking water, with nice shady lawns and Oak trees for shade during the warm Summer weather. Dogs are allowed (2 max) at campsites but NO DOGS in the cabins. We are NOT RESPONSABLE for your animals...they must be on a leash at ALL Times. We have community outdoor areas to enjoy, including picnic tables, a fire pit and a communinal cooking gazebo area equip with BBQ and water. The "Gold Wall" is known for mountain climbing so enjoy the view from above, we offer easy hiking trails, horse shoes, and even mini golf on the "Dragon's Teeth" 6-hole . Looking to relax and rejuvinate your Spirit, book a massage with Michele, a licensed massage therapist, or hang out at the Hawks Lair wine bar on the cliffs edge, overlooking the Gold Wall and Lake Melones. Enjoy the sunset and take in the beauty of the night sky.

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Wildhaven Yosemite Glamping

39 sites · Lodging36 acres · Mariposa, CA

Wildhaven Yosemite offers glamping tents and cabins on a beautiful property with mountain views in Mariposa, CA, just outside Yosemite National Park. Our glamping experience provides the comfort, cleanliness, and customer service of a hotel while keeping everything you love about a night outdoors in nature. Our extra-large, safari-style tents feature comfortable beds with linens, electricity, heaters, and all the furnishings needed for a memorable night outdoors. Looking for a little more structure in your night outdoors? Our larger glamping cabins provide a kitchenette, bathroom & shower, AC and heating, improved sound insulation, upgraded views, large windows, and a private patio to get you the fresh air you need. Your stay includes more than just a comfortable place to sleep. Guests are treated to hiking trails, communal spaces to socialize, trip planning help, Wi-Fi, and on-site activities such as yoga, wine tasting, and live music (spring through fall). The 36-acre hillside property is the star attraction, providing sweeping views towards the snow-capped Sierra Nevadas, down onto scenic Mariposa, and across miles of rolling hills.

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Yosemite Westlake Camp

33 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents6 acres · Coulterville, CA

Located on the John Muir Historic route to Yosemite National Park, Yosemite Westlake Campground and RV Park is convenient to all things Yosemite. Between here and the park is Rainbow Pool, a well-known swimming hole that campers here often visit on their way back to the campground for a refreshing dip in the cool waters. Coulterville was started as a gold-rush town. You can visit the museum and visitor center even try your hand at panning for gold.

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Prospect 772 Winery & Event Center

5 sites · RVs, Tents25 acres · Angels Camp, CA

Nestled in the picturesque Sierra foothills, this stunning 25-acre property features 5 acres of flourishing vineyards. Enjoy ample space for tent or RV camping, along with two charming glamping cabins equipped with air conditioning and heating. The site also includes three restrooms, one of which is ADA accessible, ensuring comfort and convenience for all guests.

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Yosemite Colfax Spring

11 sites · RVs, Tents20 acres · Groveland, CA

Welcome to Yosemite Colfax Spring! Home to a basecamp for river rafting trips during the summertime, we are located 15 minutes driving distance to the entrance to Yosemite National Park. If you are staying with us between May - September and want to come rafting, ask us about our river trips! Our camp sits on a ridge with views down into the Tuolumne River Canyon. The Tuolumne River begins at 13,000 feet of elevation in the High Country of Tuolumne Meadows and provides drinking water for over 2.7 million people in San Francisco. With cedar and pine trees, manzanita bushes, and wildflowers in the spring, enjoy the Sierras' flora and fauna. Our family has been operating our river rafting company for over 50 years, the last 11 of those years being here at Colfax Spring. Conveniently located off Highway 120, we are in close proximity to swimming holes, hikes, and more. Enjoy the privacy of our campsite and getting world-class views to yourself, with all of the amenities (flushing toilets, wi-fi, showers.) Make sure to check the Yosemite National Park website for information about reservations to visit the park!

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Potato Hill Group

3 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents100 acres · Mariposa, CA

Located in the historic Whitlock Mining district north of the town of Mariposa. The district is east of the Mother Lode gold belt and includes the Colorado, Sherlock Creek, and Whiskey Flat areas. The area was placer-mined soon after the beginning of the gold rush, and lode mining began shortly afterward. A number of mines were active here during the 1930s, and a few, such as the Diltz and Schroeder mines, have been intermittently prospected in recent years. Placer and Lode mining began in 1849. 49er's Lafayette Bunnell, Champlin Spencer, Thomas Whitlock and John Sherlock and a monte dealer from Quartzburg have all been credited with being the sole discoverer of the rich gold deposits. Over 70 lode mines such as the Buffalo Champion 2, Colorado, Diltz, Geary, Golden Key, King Solomon, Landrum, Nutmeg, Our Chance, Permit, Schroeder, Spread Eagle and Whitlock have been recorded in the district since the 1850's. With several of them operating stamp mills, including a 20 stamp battery at the Whitlock Mine, post offices opened in the towns of Colorado in 1858 and Whitlock in 1899. It is reported up to 5,000 settlers occupied the area, including Potato Hill. The name derived from the potato crops planted on it's slopes. It is, however, rumored the name came from gold nuggets the size of a potato. The mining towns of Whitlock, Colorado, and Sherlock no longer exists. Learn more about this land: Under the stars next to Oaks, Pines, Manzanita, and Willows in Gold Country. Take a trip to the Merced River, Yosemite National Park or just relax away from the lights and sounds of the city. You may encounter deer, wild turkey, hawks, woodpeckers and possibly spy a bear or bobcat. We are off the beaten path and offer a tranquil and peaceful experience on private land. The creeks run pretty full in the wet season and dry up mid-summer. There are several sites to choose from and all offer space. The roads are unpaved and rocky mountainous terrain can be difficult in the winter. AWD or 4WD vehicles are recommended during the wet and snow seasons. Low profile vehicles are not advisable. Minutes from the Merced River Recreation Area, 34 miles (53 minutes) to Yosemite and 12 miles to the Historic town of Mariposa.

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Yosemite Foothills Camp

1 site · RV1 acre · Mariposa, CA

Yosemite Foothills Camp is a nearly 1 acre residential, yet wild Sierra Foothills lot that features a large private undeveloped pad (~25ft. x 60ft.) with full hookups. The lot sits down a quiet residential road and features a single site. Located just ~15 minutes from downtown Mariposa and ~60 minutes from the Arch Rock (Valley) entrance of Yosemite National Park makes this the perfect home base for your Yosemite vacation. Please enjoy. Site details: - Full hookups - 50 amp service (adapter required for 30 amp service) - No dumpster on property; garbage must be packed out - Fire ban in effect - absolutely no fires, charcoal grills, gas firepits, gas BBQ, gas stove, smoking, fireworks, generators, or other open flames permitted - Site borders a neighbor's backyard

The best camping near McConnell State Recreation Area guide

Overview

About

Let us paint you a picture: It's 90 degrees and you're sweating. You desperately need to cool off but you're too far away from the beach. Where can you go to escape the sweltering dry heat of the Central Valley? Well folks, sweat not! This park is the answer.

A shaded campground with a wooded hiking trail right alongside the Merced River, McConnell will shield you from the sun and let you chill out in a friendly, flowing river. There are lots of firm surfaces for great camping, plus there are restrooms and showers. Campsite 'B' provides electricity and water and is wheelchair accessible.

Make sure to bring a canoe or floating tube, and bring your fishing poles to hook some catfish, black bass, and perch. After stocking your cooler full of tasty treats, you can cook 'em up on the provided hibachi grills. McConnell is the perfect oasis for river hang out time. So head out there, cool off, and chill out.

Notable campgrounds

Family Campsites: Spacious sites nestled among towering trees, ideal for creating lasting memories with loved ones.
Group Campsites: Perfect for larger gatherings, these campsites offer ample space for friends and family to connect in the great outdoors.
RV Access: Well-equipped sites with easy access for RVs, ensuring a convenient and cozy stay amid nature.

Tips for snagging a campsite

Book early: Reserve your spot up to six months in advance to secure your ideal dates.
Be flexible: Consider visiting during the week for better availability and a quieter experience.
Check for cancellations: Last-minute openings can occur, so keep an eye on the reservation system.
Explore nearby camping options: If McConnell is full, nearby parks might have availability for your adventure.

When to go

The best time to visit McConnell State Recreation Area is during the spring and fall when the weather is mild and the natural beauty is at its peak. Summer offers warm days perfect for swimming, while winter might be less ideal due to cooler temperatures and limited activities.

Know before you go

Check park hours: The park is open from 8am to sunset, so plan your visit accordingly.
Stay safe: Familiarize yourself with safety tips, especially if you plan to engage in water activities.
Accessibility: The park offers wheelchair accessible features, ensuring everyone can enjoy the beauty of McConnell.
Dog policy: Dogs are welcome in the campground, so feel free to bring your furry friend along.
Amenities: Restrooms, showers, and drinking water are available to make your stay comfortable.